Arthritis is a general term for inflammation in a joint. Many people with arthritis experience pain and difficulty moving around. There are more than 200 different types of arthritis and in the UK, arthritis affects 10 million people. Arthritis can affect people at anyage, not just older people. However, you are more likely to develop arthritis as you get older. Common forms of arthritis include osteosrthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis and these frequently affect the joints of the feet.
Osteoarthritis is the most common and is caused by trauma and stress to the cartilge in the joints. The main symptoms are painful joints and is more common in older age. It can be a result of general wear and tear or an injury and it is very common in foot joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the more severe types of arthritis although less common. It occurs when the body’s immune system turns on itself, causing inflammation in the joint lining.
Treatment of osteoarthritis may well include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, footwear, insoles or other help.
If you are diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthrits regular check ups are important and annual foot checks are important according to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. As medical treatment advances more help than ever is available to aid ongoing foot problems. Podiatrists can help by aligning your joints to ease pain, and prescribing insoles and footwear to limit joint damage.
- If the arthritis is severe surgery may help.
- Living with pain is not inevitable – something can always be done to help control the disease and help the quality of life
- Talk to you Podiatrist,Gp or consultant about what can be done!!!
Please feel free to call Luck’s Yard if you wish to seek advice from Yvette Mann, your local Podiatrist, on 01483 310298
